Chrysler Repair: Turn signals sluggish, chrysler sebring convertible, emergency flashers

Question
Roland,

99 Chrysler Sebring Convertible.  Turn signals won’t stay on.  Left and right behave the same way.  Blinks a few times, sometimes 2 or 3, sometimes 8 or 10, then stops.  

Even if I hold the switch in the on position, or hold it in the temporary position (as if changing a lane) same thing happens.  I have tried holding the switch in different positions to see if it makes better contact, but no help.

After it stops, I can turn it back on but it soon stops again.  Seems to be worse in colder weather.

Thanks,

Mark


Answer
Hi Mark,
Did you get the turn signal problem fixed? If you would like to tell me there is a "Thank/rate the expert" button below which if you click will take you to page where you can "comment".
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Roland





Hi Mark,
I would begin by checking that all the bulbs in the turn signals/emergency flashers are functioning. The operation of the 'combination flasher' depends upon the current being drawn be as expected and that voltages reach the necessary level to click on and off. If any bulb appears dim then check its socket contacts and clean those up. Also, check to see how the hazard warning function works. Does it also stop after awhile? If so, then I would suspect that the combination flasher unit which is mounted in the steering column and is plugged into the multifunction switch proper is getting weak in its function. The voltage level of the system will also cause this if it is below par, perhaps due to failing battery or weakened alternator so check the voltage level at idle, which should be around 13.6V.
It is also possible that the ground connection from that flasher is loose or corroded. Find it hidden behind the kick panel on the driver side (the panel to the left of the drivers left leg) just in front of the door opening about a third of the way up the panel. It is screwed into the metal so remove it and clean the connections of all the wires that are grounded there.
If all that fails to improve things, then replace the combo flasher which I can tell you about how to get to in a follow-up q and a.
Roland